A beginner needs advice on baking

I want start baking. I love it but have no experience.

Being on a diet to lose weight makes me hesitant to bake. But I will try some low-cals recipes.

Could recommend  good baking powder, cooking spray, and flour so I can start. I am not sure if there are some low-cals versions of these.

Also, I would like to start using applesauce, coca powder...  not sure if these things are suitable for me now.

I appreciate your inputs.

What you need is a good cookbook.  Look for something on light desserts with step by step illustrations.  Also check out the cooking light website. Any cooking spray and any baking powder and/or baking soda will work.  Just make sure your ingredients are fresh

Here's one of my recipes to get you started.

Dr Bird Cake

Thanks clairelaine. This is very good info.

I just need to ask you if you think I should start learning how to bake now?? I don't know. i am on a diet to lose weight... do you it is a good idea to bake???

Yes, you can learn to bake and still lose weight.  Just cut the recipe in half if you are worried about making to much food.  You can also try freezing portions in clingwrap and ziplock freezer bags.  I cook and bake almost all of our meals, and my family prefers my cooking to restaurants.  I love it, because I know how much fat, sugar, and oil go into everything I make.  What are you interested in baking? Maybe I can give you a few tips.

I only use unbleached flour and organic when I can buy it.

Heather: Thanks so much. I just need to know if applesauce is a good thing to have if I want to lose fat?? I see many recipies have sapplesauce, flour, sugar... of course baking powder is a must have.

Now, I don't know how many cals in a cup of flour. is there a low cal and high cals flour?? can you replace flour with something else? I read here that you can grind the cereal or oatmeal and use it instead of flour.

Also, what about sugar?? do you have to add splenda?? sugar is not an issue in my life. I drink coffee, tea without sugar. can I add honey intead?

Any links or information would be appreciated. I would like to start with something small and simple like baking my own protein bar. Or a snack?? don't know. thanks in advance.

the applesauce replaces oil in recipes, so it's very calorie friendly.  Unsweetened applesauce is best. 

The fat and sugar in most baked goods are the culprits.  You'd be eating grain products anyway, so the flour isn't the problem. 

Baking requires precise measurement and that's why a cookbook is useful.  If you have a public library nearby, you can look at the books there and check out the ones you like before investing in your own cookbooks.

Almost all recipes can be made with less oil, and substituting some eggs with egg whites.  Two egg whites=1 whole egg. (But don't substitute all the eggs for egg whites)There have been many people who have done the work for you.  Go to RecipeZaar or any other recipe website.  You don't need to buy a cookbook.  I will post a few low-fat recipes for you on the recipe section. Cheers

Heather

Another tip - for dense recipes like brownies, you can substitute silken tofu for the eggs.  1/4 cup of blended tofu (really whip it up if you can, adding a little water if necessary) substitutes for 1 egg.  For recipes with lots of flavor (like chocolate recipes), you can also substitute half of a mashed ripe banana and 1/4 tsp baking powder for 1 egg.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate it.

So I can substitute a banana and baking powder for one egg. That is good to know.

Fruit purees & juices make excellent fat substitutes in cakes, breads, cookies, etc. Besides eliminating alot of fat & extra calories, they add flavor & sweetness thereby also reducing the need for extra sugar.

If you tell me what type of baking you looking at doing I would be more than hapy to share some recipes.

~E~

ebonyprince_ii@yahoo.com

The Cook's Thesaurus has a lot of good ideas for healthy substitutions, plus it usually tells you how that sub will affect the recipe (chewier, drier, wetter, softer, etc).  If that site ever went down I'd be hopelessly lost. :)

you guys are awesome.

Miaokkitty: Thanks so much. the website is great. they say I can use flaxmeal instead of eggs. Very interesting. I didn't know I could do that.

ebonyprince_ii : I appreciate it:) will email you for more info. I am wondering if I can make a small low cal pie or protein bar ??? I wanna start with something simple and small. also, I am wondering if I can get a recipe for one serving only??

Thanks again:)

The absolute best thing aout baking is that everyone loves treats so it is easy to give them away and NOT eat them.

Since I have started baking I actually lost weight because it was an activity to do and then when whatever I made was done I would try one to make sure it was good and then take the rest into work.

I am that person that some of you guys hate for bringing in irresistable treats ;)

Choco9: I wish I could do like you. :) If I will bake I will eat them all.. lol

Since I have started a diet I eat raw food and I really miss mufins and cakes. I go to the stores just to look at them... :(